With kids abounding all over the Target Center, the Atlanta Dream came to break their losing streak, and the Minnesota Lynx looked to regain the sharpness that led them to the upper part of the standings. The Dream did not achieve its goal, and neither did the Lynx. Even with a win, and a few moments of spark, particularly in the fourth quarter, Minnesota is still without their shooting consistency. Their signature defense began to show itself in the second half, so perhaps the fog is lifting and they’ll be able to see that path again.
The first quarter for Minnesota was disjointed and cold. Atlanta took advantage of this and simply looked like the stronger team. The Lynx shot marginally better in the second quarter and trailed 35-33 at the half. Atlanta added two more points to their lead at the end of the third, although Minnesota’s shooting started to show some more signs of life, as did the defense.
All along, Kayla McBride managed to keep Minnesota in the game, which never really got too far out of reach. However, considering how Minnesota has played in the past two weeks, a four or five-point lead could have been enough.
A Dominant Final Quarter From Minnesota
And then came the fourth quarter. Natisha Hiedeman, who has been struggling to find her shot, found it. Scoring 16 of her 18 points in the quarter, she took Minnesota over the finish line and helped the Lynx take the quarter 30-19. Atlanta kept close, but Minnesota got the timely buckets and took the win.
There is a ton of talent in the Dream lineup. Cheyenne Parker-Tyus, veteran Tina Charles, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, and Aerial Powers are all solid players. So why are they sitting at 7-17? By the same token, the Lynx have, up until this recent slump, shown themselves to be so much more than anyone had anticipated. With this season being rather frenetic due to the Olympics, teams have played grueling schedules. That is probably a partial factor, but not 100%.
turn up in the 4th✅ get your 💐’s✅ pic.twitter.com/Ud4ITc73gi
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) July 17, 2024
Injuries have abounded this season. Atlanta has been without Jordin Canada for all but four games. Minnesota has been without centerpiece Napheesa Collier for the last five games, and it shows. They’ve also been with Olivia Époupa, who provides some much energy off the bench. When the rotation changes, things get disturbed. Maybe it shouldn’t, but it does.
Final Thoughts
Regardless, both of these teams sorely need this break, as does the entire league. While Minnesota showed a spark of what got them here in the second half of the game, Atlanta’s woes continued. Coach Cheryl Reeve now has the Olympics to contend with, so that’s where her attention is going to be. Coach Tanisha Wright will have some time to reassess her team and what needs to be done.
In any event, we’ll have to wait until mid-August to see what changes have been made. Rosters are already starting to change. There is probably more in store. Let’s all buckle up for the Olympics, put everything else aside for a while, and look for the USA to bring home the gold.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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